Acer palmatum dissectum Ever Red
Acer palmatum Seiryu
Acer palmatum Aratama
Acer palmatum dissectum Germaines Gyration
Acer palmatum Shaina
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum
Japanese maples, Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum varieties, are an extremely diverse range of plants in terms of size, shape and leaf colour.
The Weeping Japanese Maples varieties, Acer palmatum dissectum, form mushroom-shaped mounds with intricately twisted branches. These are also known as the "Lace Leaf Maples".
Then there are the upright growing trees, some of which under ideal conditions may eventually reach 8-10 metres.
Most deciduous trees and shrubs change in colour in autumn, but few can match the magnificent autumn displays of the Japanese Maples.
Whilst Japanese Maples are a must in a Japanese-style garden, they can be incorporated in most other styles of gardens.
Different varieties can be used together, or the individual specimens can create a feature in themselves.
The varieties with coloured trunks, such as Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', can be shown off against a wall with feature lighting, making them look stunning at night.
The weeping maples are beautiful when grown near water features.
Japanese Maples are surprisingly hardy; their biggest enemy is hot wind.
They will tolerate sun, in fact most of the purple-leafed varieties will go green in the shade, but the very pale-leafed ones appreciate a bit of shade.